Squids

Class	Aquatic
Rarity	Common
Size	Small
Stats	5 HP 0 Strength 2 Defense 8 Agility 2 Intelligence

Introduction

Dwelling in the deep oceans are enigmatic creatures known as squid. They are commonly characterized by their abnormally squishy bodies and large beady eyes, as well as their unique defense mechanism of spraying ink to blind predators. They possess strange adaptations like changing color or using bioluminescence to create light, which illuminates a mystifying atmosphere all around.

Description

Squids are roughly ~30cm in length and are invertebrates, meaning they don’t have a backbone. Their body consists of a long slender frame that splits into ten tentacles and two eyes popping out from the sides, and upon their tentacles lay a multitude of many spiked suckers to allow the squid the ability to grab and pull themselves forward. A mouth can be found at the base of the mantle, which, unlike the rest of the body, is hardened.  This is the first stage of their digestive tract which uses a tongue-like organ called the radula to consume fish or vegetation. Also, their body rapidly transitions between colors by utilizing a specialized pigment for various behavioral reasons, alongside a smooth, squishy texture like jelly and an oceanic scent. However, when not fresh, will begin to reek of fish malodor, and larger squids are said to effuse a retched smell of ammonia. The taste is reminiscent of these features, containing a mild and faintly sweet tang. Most of its essence is akin to the ocean with the only exception being sound since they are aquatic creatures and therefore have no reason for it. Also, the squid has three hearts instead of one, all located at the base. One serves the whole body while the other two are designated for each one of its gills.

Behavior

Squids are typically found traveling in groups as it’s easier to hunt and pluck at smaller fish. They are rapid swimmers that propel themselves by jet propulsion, blasting water out of their mantles with an assisting siphon to glide through the sea. They utilize a pair of smaller fins to steer against currents, allowing their school to swirl in veins of various directions. Since squids are unable to create sound, they communicate via sight. Their bioluminescent body can form multitudes of colors and lights, with certain patterns coding meaning to other squids. This allows them to signal where to find food, directions, or other squid if lost. Their complex transmissions indicate a higher intelligence or at least more than basic fish. Another knack of squids is their ability to blind enemies, which is usually utilized as a way to elude larger predators like sharks or whales. This is done by pulling from its ink gland and organ funnel to expel ink from its body, and its siphon thrusts it farther to disperse amongst the ocean and convert the clear blue sea to a caliginous pitch black. Once the sight of a predator is effectively disrupted, the squid can jet itself to a safe area and remain unharmed. It will rarely ever attempt to engage with larger creatures or fight them, knowing its lack of strength will result in being eaten. Squids will react similarly when coming face-to-face with any humanoid and will use any chance they get to evade being caught, making them a difficult food source for the races.

Habitat

Squids can be found in any ocean, though they mainly dwell in The Glass Sea, irradiating the many caves and fissures it holds. Smaller squids tend to be discovered in sizable groups in the sunlight zone while the larger species are commonly traveling alone and also prefer the deeper, colder regions of the sea like the twilight zone. Squids are also osmoregulators, meaning they can adapt to water of varying salinity. However, they are still limited to saltwater zones regardless.

Abilities

Ink ejection: The ink sac dispels a continuous surge of black that disperses around the squid and blocks the vision of all the beings around it.

Drops

- Squid corpse

The remains of a slaughtered squid.

- Ink sac

A removed ink sac from a deceased squid. A thin layer encloses the ink inside and can burst if not careful. There is one per squid and it will usually be intact as long as the sac was not punctured when killed. This can be used for writing and other art supplies.